28 Years Later Review: Danny Boyle Zombie Thriller Returns to Theaters June 20

It’s been over two decades since Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later changed the zombie game. And now, he’s back with 28 Years Later, hitting theaters June 20.

The excitement? It’s real. Horror fans, longtime franchise lovers, and even casual moviegoers are hyped—and for good reason.

A Long-Awaited Return to the “28” Universe

Let’s go back for a second. 28 Days Later dropped in 2003 and didn’t just introduce us to rage-infected zombies—it redefined what a zombie film could be. Low budget? Yes. But it felt raw, intense, and genuinely terrifying.

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And it wasn’t just about blood. Boyle’s direction brought heart and dread in equal measure. Long silences, eerie shots of empty London streets, and that unforgettable track “In the House – In a Heartbeat” (which has shown up everywhere since) made it unforgettable.

It inspired dozens of films after it. And now, after 28 Weeks Later gave us more carnage in 2007, we’re finally getting back into that world with 28 Years Later.

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So What’s the New Movie About?

Boyle reunites with screenwriter Alex Garland, and they’re not stopping with just one film. Garland confirmed this is part of a new trilogy. The second movie—28 Years Later: The Bone Temple—is already shot and is coming in January 2026, directed by Nia DaCosta.

As for the third? Garland says the story is ready, just not written yet.

28 Years Later is said to be a stand-alone story, so you won’t need to rewatch the older films—but knowing the vibe definitely helps.

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What the Trailer Hints At

The trailer features a 1915 reading of a Rudyard Kipling poem, and it hits differently. Chilling, poetic, and oddly emotional.

It doesn’t show too much, but it brings back the raw fear that the original nailed. Fast-moving zombies. Isolated survivors. And a world that feels even more broken than before.

Also—Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson star. That’s a stacked cast.

What Makes This Different?

Let’s be honest. Zombie fatigue is real. But this series doesn’t go for jump scares and cheap gore. Boyle focuses on mood, pacing, and humanity.

The world isn’t just full of monsters—it’s full of people trying to survive, messily and desperately.

And while we don’t know everything yet, early reactions suggest this could bring horror back to basics in the best way.

Don’t Miss the Return of Real Horror

28 Years Later hits theaters on June 20. If you’re tired of watered-down horror and want something with grit, story, and soul—this might be the zombie film we’ve all been waiting for.

Grab your tickets, and brace yourself. The “rage” is back.